Abstract: Two research reports on advanced engineering environments (AEE) are introduced. The research is conducted by the National Research Council and the National Academy of Engineering of the United States. The results of investigation and current practice of AEE implemented by the US government, industries, and academia are documented. Under the circumstance of economic globalization trend & distributed knowledge resources, and to achieve benefits of AEE in products and processes design in the next 7 to 15 years, design is much more emphasized in the reports. It is pointed out that computer technologies for processes of design and development should be human-centered and could never fully replace human in predicted future. Inspirations and impact to the development of manufacturing of China in areas of engineering ideal, technology development and application, organization, management and economics, education and training are analyzed in the end.

Key words: Advanced engineering environment, Distributed resource, Knowledge, Product design